'Alif-Laam-Meem' is known as ‘Solemn Verse' (Ayat-e-Muqatta'at - آیتِ مقطعات).

Fourteen Arabic alphabets have been used, in varied combinations, in 14 ‘Solemn Verses' (Ayaat-e-Muqatta'at - آیاتِ مقطعات) in the form of initials of 29 Chapters (سورة) of holy Quran. Alif-Laam-Meem ( الم ) is one of them.

Since Quran is 'Mubeen' (الْمُبِينِ); its description is clear and manifest. The meanings of all the verses of Quran, including 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) are surely known to its principle addressee, ie., Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). It is also likely that Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) has informed the meanings of these Verses to some of his Sahabah and Awliya Allah.

We believe in whatever is meant by the 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

Since we have been commanded to read the Quran carefully and try to understand the significance of every verse of the Quran, we do ponder over these verses. And when we think, by focusing our attention towards Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) for guidance, it comes to our mind that the 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) are actually the 'Solemn Titles of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) given by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) throughout the Quran. Our understanding is based on the fact that Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has addressed Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) in the Quran by specific names, like Muzzammil (مزمل - O' beloved who covers self in a coverlet), Muddassir (مدثر - O' beloved, who covers self in a bed sheet). With this understanding, it is most likely that Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) other names / titles have been mentioned in Quran by denoting certain initials/alphabets.

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 002

أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَنْ يُتْرَكُوا أَنْ يَقُولُوا آَمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ[ Do people think, once they say, 'We believe', that they will be left without being put to the test?]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 003

وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ[ And indeed We tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make it known those who are telling the truth and will certainly make it known those who are liars. ]

For achieving anything good in life, one has to work hard. He needs to have perseverance and should face all difficulties on his way. Then only he will succeed in his endeavor.

Similarly, if you want to have success in this world as a believer and salvation in Hereafter and enter Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) Paradise, you will have to strive on His way and have perseverance in facing the difficulties that come your way.

Once a person proclaims his belief in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and in all the teachings of Islam, the forces opposing Islam get activated against him. The entire machinery of Satan and his associates and helpers in Jinn and human beings become his enemy. They will create hurdles in his way and keep on creating troubling until his death. He will have to fight with them and win over those forces. His struggle with his own Nafs and Satan's armies is continuous throughout his life. However, the one good thing for the divine wayfarer in this struggle is, he can expect Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) assistance all the way.

It is in Quran -وَمَنْ جَاهَدَ فَإِنَّمَا يُجَاهِدُ لِنَفْسِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَغَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ[ And whoever strives hard, he does so for his own good. Surely Allah is Self Sufficient and absolutely independent of all the worlds. ] (Al-Ankaboot - 6)

The above verse clarifies that Allah does not put people into trials. To walk on the path of trials is their own decision made of free will. Rather Allah helps them to come out successful of those trials.

It is in Quran -وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ [ As for those who strive in Our cause, We will surely guide them to Our ways; Indeed, Allah is with the righteous. ] (Al-Ankaboot - 69)

Sometimes it may look to someone that there is some delay in divine assistance. In such a scenario, the most probable reason could be that Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) wants to make His servant more stronger in faith to make him eligible for lofty rewards in both the worlds. From whichever way you look, it is Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) Mercy all the way.

The verses (Al-An-Kaboot 2 & 3) were revealed at a time when the new believers in Islam were persecuted harshly by Makkan Pagans. It was indeed a big testing time for Muslims. But, with Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) assistance, they remained steadfast all through their trial.

When we look at the whole picture, we realize that what was actually happening to Muslims in the first 13 years in Makka and some more years in Madina was the strong disciplinary training by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). They were subjected to torture in Makka in the hands of idolators, and had gone through the machinations of the hypocrites in Madina. They were also trained by experiencing near defeats in some battles.

Why had they gone through this kind of a training? It was because, Allah wanted to reward them with the huge responsibility of propagation of Islam and of administration of a large Muslim state in the world in future. In the process, they became role models for Muslims for generations to come.

Quran is meant for all people at all times till the day of Resurrection. Its verses are not for a specific time and for specific people. Therefore, we will discuss briefly below what is trial and how it can be endured.

What is Trial?

When a person makes a conscious decision to follow the path of faith, he / she may find themselves in an uncomfortable situation initially. It may feel as the though the world has turned against them. Their, family, friends and loved ones may reject them. They might find it hard to gain acceptance of anyone in this world. The evil machinations of Satan might start to hinder in their lives. There might be days with little hope and chronic sickness. But it is all part of a greater design. Patience is the requirement of this time.

It is in Quran - إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ[Certainly, Allah is with the people who have patience] (Al-Baqara - 153).

It is in Quran - وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الصَّابِرِينَ [Allah loves those who have patience.] (Aal-e-Imran - 146).

To keep the heart and thoughts balanced during this period is the work of the courageous people. If you loose heart, you may get stagnant. If you do not understand what Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) wants from you, you may end up on the losing side. If you become impatient and start blaming Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) for your difficulties, there is a possibility that you will loose your Iman. The guidance and support of an experienced Shaikh of Ihsan can help you overcome your anxieties at this time.

The best course is to recite Astaghfaar day in and day out and seek Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) forgiveness all the time. Zikr of Allah's epithets (اسماء الهي) under the guidance of the Shaikh and supplications and recitation of Durood on the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) helps tremendously on this way.

Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) chosen servants and Awliya Allah get through these trials with flying colors.

There are two stages of success, in trials, as follows.

(i) Acceptance (Tasleem - تسلیم)

When the servant bears difficulties and feels no burden on his heart in accepting the commandments of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and acts upon it willingly, without any resistance whatsoever, this state is known 'Acceptance' (Tasleem - تسلیم).

(ii) Acquiescence (Ridha - رِضاء)

When the servant gets used to enduring troubles and it becomes easier for him to act upon the commandments of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) rather he starts enjoying his tolerance on afflictions, like the drug user gets addicted to taking the sour drug and starts enjoying and relishing its sore taste, this state is known as 'Acquiescence' (Ridha - رِضا).

It is in Quran - وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ [Allah's approval is indeed a very big thing]. (At-Tauba - 72).

The people of 'Acceptance and Acquiescence' (تسلیم و رِضاء) are rewarded many bounties.

However, if you are successful in one trial, it is not necessary that you will not be subjected to trials again. You may be subjected to trials on many occasions in different environments throughout your life, as was the case with Sahabah.

'Acceptance and Acquiescence' (تسلیم و رِضاء) are the initial stages of success in trials. When the servant progresses further, he is rewarded with spiritual development. There are three stages of spiritual development, as follows.

(i) The deliverance of deeds (Fana-e-Afa'al - فنائے افعال).

When you go through hardships in life, you gain more control over your carnal self / Anima (nafs - نفس). You also develop trust in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). This is the time when the servant realizes that none other than Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) can provide benefit or loss. This state is known as 'the deliverance of deeds' (Fana-e-Afa'al - فنائے افعال).

(ii) The deliverance of attributes (Fana-e-Sifaat - فنائے صفات)

When the servant advances, he realizes that the attributes of all creatures are dependent on Almighty. He comes to know that everyone in this world is acting as per the commandments of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), and Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) commands are as per individual natures. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) does not command an honest and virtuous person to steal and vice versa.

Like the scientist knows that various colors we see, like blue, yellow, green, etc., are actually the reflection of the light on the thing. In the same way the servant realizes that the powers and attributes of everyone are the result of refulgence of divine epithets and attributes (اسماء و صفات) reflecting upon the facts of things/creatures. Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) bestowal is the same for everyone. However, the actions appearing from individuals are as per their natures / attributes. This state is known as the 'deliverance of attributes' (Fana-e-Sifaat - فنائے صفات).

(iii) The deliverance of person (Fana-e-Zaat - فنائے ذات)

When the servant advances further he realizes that his innate (person/ Zaat - ذات) is also dependent on Almighty. He finds that his face/body appears because of the reflection of the refulgence (تجلّي) of the 'divine attributes' (صفاتِ الهي) upon the divine awareness (Ma'loom-e-Elahi - معلومِ اِلہی) or the probate archetypes (Ayaan-e-Saabita - اعیانِ ثابتہ). This state is known as 'the deliverance of person' (Fana-e-Zaat - فنائے ذات).

Explanation of the terms used

(i) Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) knows about Himself and His attributes. This is known as Allah's Knowledge (علمِ الهي).

(ii) Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) knows about His creatures. This is known as 'Divine Awareness ((Maloom-e-Elahi - معلومِ اِلہی)).

(iii) Before our birth, we existed in the knowledge of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) as His Awareness.

(iv) Probate Archetype (عينِ ثابتہ) is the unit of information about individual creature that exist in Allah's knowledge. These units together are known as 'Probate Archetypes' (اعیانِ ثابتہ).

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 004

أَمْ حَسِبَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ السَّيِّئَاتِ أَنْ يَسْبِقُونَا سَاءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ [ Or those who do evil deeds think that they can escape from Our reach? Evil is that what they judge!]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 005

مَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو لِقَاءَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّ أَجَلَ اللَّهِ لَآَتٍ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ[ He who hopes to meet Allah (should know) that Allah's appointed time will surely come. Allah is All Hearing and All Knowing. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 006

وَمَنْ جَاهَدَ فَإِنَّمَا يُجَاهِدُ لِنَفْسِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَغَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ[ And whoever strives hard, he does so for his own good. Surely Allah is Self Sufficient and absolutely independent of all the worlds. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 007

وَالَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَنُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَحْسَنَ الَّذِي كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ [ As for those who believe and do good deeds, We will remove their bad deeds and will reward them according to the best of what they have done. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 008

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حُسْنًا وَإِنْ جَاهَدَاكَ لِتُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ[ We have enjoined man to show kindness to his parents; but if they force you to commit shirk with Me, of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return and I will inform you of what you have done. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 009

وَالَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَنُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ فِي الصَّالِحِينَ[ Those who believe and do good deeds shall be admitted among the righteous. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 010

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَقُولُ آَمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ فَإِذَا أُوذِيَ فِي اللَّهِ جَعَلَ فِتْنَةَ النَّاسِ كَعَذَابِ اللَّهِ وَلَئِنْ جَاءَ نَصْرٌ مِنْ رَبِّكَ لَيَقُولُنَّ إِنَّا كُنَّا مَعَكُمْ أَوَلَيْسَ اللَّهُ بِأَعْلَمَ بِمَا فِي صُدُورِ الْعَالَمِينَ[ There are some people who say, 'We believe in Allah,' but when they are subjected to persecution (for their faith) in Allah, they construe persecution at the hands of people as Allah’s punishment (and reject faith); but if a victory comes from your Lord (to the believers), they will most certainly say, 'Surely we have always been with you.' Is not Allah fully aware of what is in the hearts of the people of the world. ]

وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لِلَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اتَّبِعُوا سَبِيلَنَا وَلْنَحْمِلْ خَطَايَاكُمْ وَمَا هُمْ بِحَامِلِينَ مِنْ خَطَايَاهُمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ إِنَّهُمْ لَكَاذِبُونَ[ And those who disbelieve say to those who believe : 'Follow our way and we will bear your sins.' They will not bear anything from their sins. Surely, they are liars. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 013

وَلَيَحْمِلُنَّ أَثْقَالَهُمْ وَأَثْقَالًا مَعَ أَثْقَالِهِمْ وَلَيُسْأَلُنَّ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَمَّا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ[ Surely, they shall bear their own burdens as well as the burdens of others in addition to their own; and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be questioned about their invented lies. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 014

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَى قَوْمِهِ فَلَبِثَ فِيهِمْ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ إِلَّا خَمْسِينَ عَامًا فَأَخَذَهُمُ الطُّوفَانُ وَهُمْ ظَالِمُونَ[ And indeed Allah sent Nooh (عليه السلام) to his people and he stayed among them a 1,000 years less 50 years. The flood overtook them as they were wrongdoers. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 015

فَأَنْجَيْنَاهُ وَأَصْحَابَ السَّفِينَةِ وَجَعَلْنَاهَا آَيَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَ[ But We saved him and those in the ark, and We made it a sign for the worlds. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 016

وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاتَّقُوهُ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ[ And (We sent) Ibrahim (عليه السلام), who called on his people, 'Worship Allah and be always mindful of Him. That is best for you if you understand. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 017

إِنَّمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ أَوْثَانًا وَتَخْلُقُونَ إِفْكًا إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ لَكُمْ رِزْقًا فَابْتَغُوا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ الرِّزْقَ وَاعْبُدُوهُ وَاشْكُرُوا لَهُ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ[ 'You worship mere idols instead of Allah. They are man-made lies. Those you worship instead of Allah, do not have the ability to provide anything to you. So seek provision from Allah and worship Him and be grateful to Him. (Surely) You will all be returned to Him.' ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 018

وَإِنْ تُكَذِّبُوا فَقَدْ كَذَّبَ أُمَمٌ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ وَمَا عَلَى الرَّسُولِ إِلَّا الْبَلَاغُ الْمُبِينُ[ But if you deny, then many the people have denied before you, and the responsibility of the Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is only to convey the message clearly.' ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 019

أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا كَيْفَ يُبْدِئُ اللَّهُ الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُ إِنَّ ذَلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ[ Have they not seen how Allah originates the creation then resurrects it? That is certainly easy for Allah. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 020

قُلْ سِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ بَدَأَ الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ اللَّهُ يُنْشِئُ النَّشْأَةَ الْآَخِرَةَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ[ Tell them (O' Prophet ﷺ), "travel through the earth and see how Allah originates the creation. Then Allah will bring into being your second life (by Resurrection). Allah has power over all things. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 021

يُعَذِّبُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيَرْحَمُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُقْلَبُونَ[ He punishes whom He wills, shows Mercy to whom He wills, and to Him you will be returned. ]

Juz 20, Al-Ankaboot, Verse 022

وَمَا أَنْتُمْ بِمُعْجِزِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَمَا لَكُمْ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ مِنْ وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ[ You will never be beyond His reach on earth or in the heaven, and you have none other than Allah to protect you or help you. ]